Recently Mexican immigration has changed the procedures for entering and exiting the country if you have a FM3 or FM2 visa.

Steps for Immigration with an FM2 or FM3 book:

After checking in at the airline counter you will be directed to the desk where you will be given an Immigration card to fill out and hand in.  See copy of Immigration card.  This will be in Spanish.  You MUST also give them your FM2 or FM3 and passport to stamp.  This is very important. They will tear off half (Departure) of the form and give you the other half (Entry).

It is recommended that you photocopy your copy of the ‘Entry’ card that has a date stamp to keep for future records.  If immigration ever loses that info you have your own proof.  They are giving out fines if we do not exit and enter using the proper procedures and showing the proper documents.

You will return to the airline counter and show your half of the document.  They will then issue your boarding passes.

On your return flight you will be given the same Immigration form to fill in.  This one will be in English.  DO NOT do this as you already did when you left.  You must fill in the Declaration form.

When you pass through Customs/Immigration you again have to give your FM2 or FM3 along with your passport and the half (Entry) of the Immigration form you were given when you left. This again is important.  Both documents will be stamped.  Also you submit the Declaration form.

Steps for Immigration using the FM2 or FM3 card:

After checking in at the airline counter you will be directed to the desk where you will be given an Immigration card to fill out and hand in.  See copy of Immigration card.  This will be in Spanish.  You MUST also give them your FM2 or FM3 card and passport so that it can get stamped.  This is very important. They will tear off half (Departure) of the form and give you the other half (Entry).

You will return to the airline counter and show your half of the document.  They will then issue your boarding passes.

It is recommended that you photocopy the ‘Entry’ card that has a date stamp and keep it for future records.  If immigration ever loses that info you have your own proof.  They are giving out fines if we do not exit and enter using the proper procedures and showing the proper documents.

On your return flight you will be given the same Immigration form to fill in.  This one will be in English.  DO NOT do this as you already did when you left.  You must fill in the Declaration form.

When you pass through Customs/Immigration you again have to give your FM2 or FM3 card along with your passport and the half (Entry) of the Immigration form you were given when you left. This again is important.  Your passport will be stamped.  Also you submit the Declaration form.

Leaving Mexico by vehicle:

It is important to check in at the Immigration counter before leaving Mexico.  The procedures are identical as flying.  You must show your FM2 or FM3, get an Immigration card filled in and keep the ‘Entry’ part for your return.

It is recommended that you photocopy your copy of the ‘Entry’ card that has a date stamp to keep for future records.  If immigration ever loses that info you have your own proof.  They are giving out fines if we do not exit and enter using the proper procedures and showing the proper documents.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

As you can see these steps are if you do not have one part of the Immigration card in your possession when leaving Mexico.  Reverse the procedure if you have the ‘Departure’ half of your Immigration card and are returning North of the border.

The important thing is to ALWAYS have a record using and showing your FM2 or FM3 when out of Mexico.